A man killed by a tiger at a British zoo reportedly filmed himself approaching the big cat moments before he was killed. The victim, named as William Chapman, reportedly uploaded the chilling footage to social media site Instagram after jumping into the enclosure of five-year-old tiger Altai at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster.
Footage shows approach moments before attack
The video, reported by The Sun, appears to show an individual walking up to the Amur tiger, while horrified visitors watching from above can be heard shouting, with one saying: "Oh my God". Moments later, he was attacked and eventually fatally injured by the tiger.
The latest revelation comes as more details emerge about the tragedy, which unfolded in front of stunned families on Saturday afternoon.
Witnesses describe victim's behaviour
Police were called to the park at 1.35pm after reports that a man had entered the tiger enclosure. According to witnesses, the victim had been dancing and listening to music on the raised viewing platform before climbing over a barrier and dropping around 15ft into the pen.
Visitor Del Taylor told The Sun the man had asked her to take a picture with the tiger shortly before the attack. She said he appeared excited, and repeatedly asked for another picture before thanking her for helping out.
Tiger's behaviour changed suddenly
Witness Anthony Hunt told Sky News that the tiger's behaviour suddenly changed when it spotted the man, describing how "Its eyes locked on to something in the enclosure." The animal reportedly approached the victim, who at one point appeared to get down on all fours and pray. Witnesses described people desperately shouting instructions from above, with some urging the man to play dead.
The victim was also reportedly heard telling the tiger to "stop being naughty" as it began pawing at him. Separate footage recorded by visitors captured him repeatedly shouting "no" and "stop" as the animal circled him before lunging.
Park remains closed after incident
Staff rushed to the scene and warning shots were reportedly fired in an attempt to distract the tiger but, despite the efforts of emergency services, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. South Yorkshire Police confirmed his family had been informed and were receiving support from specialist officers.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park confirmed that Altai was unharmed and would not be put down following the tragedy, saying: "Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life." City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation into the incident.
